Careers

Description:

The University of Washington Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health Program (FSNH) prepares students to improve individual and population health through the study of foods, nutrients, dietary behaviors, health outcomes, and food and policy environments. The Program offers the FSNH major (BA) and Nutrition minor; MS, MPH, and PhD graduate degrees; and graduate level training leading to the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) professional credential.

2 teaching assistant (TA) positions (average 20 hours per week) are available to support a joint undergraduate/graduate course with an expected enrollment of approximately 110-120 students.

NUTR 412/512: United States Food Systems Policy
Instructor: Jennifer Otten

Course Description: Offers a broad introduction to food and nutrition policies in the US and their impacts on population health. Real-world controversies and debates are used to illustrate policy principles, research tools, and policy analysis. Includes topics on public health nutrition, food policy related to population health, and food security.

Duties:

• Attend lectures, if possible: MW 1:00-2:20 p.m.
• Co-lead three 50-minute quiz/discussion sections each week. Each TA must be available to co-lead all three back-to-back discussion sections on Fridays (F 11:30 a.m.-2:20 p.m.). Content/activities will include various exercises, discussions, and group project work. Please note: Individuals applying for these positions are required to provide their availability in their cover letters to ensure coverage for the scheduled discussion times below.
  • AA: F 11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m.
  • AB: F 12:30-1:20 p.m.
  • AC: F 1:30-2:20 p.m.
• Set up and provide support for computer equipment, course website (Canvas), and instructional technologies.
• Support guest speakers: coordinate logistics (including parking), assist with on-site visits and presentations (including equipment set up and technical support), and write thank-you notes.
• Contribute to the grading of student assignments, projects, quizzes, and examinations.
• Respond to student questions in class and via Canvas.
• Hold weekly office hours and facilitate special help sessions as needed.
• Meet regularly with instructional team to coordinate work.
• Additional duties may be assigned.

Skills/Eligibility:

Eligibility Note: Students enrolled in NUTR 512 in winter 2026 are not eligible.

Desired Skills: This course carries a writing credit and TAs and R/Gs will support students with their writing and review/grade several student essays. Therefore, strong writing experience and skills are desired.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Master’s or doctoral students with background (education, experience) in nutrition and/or food systems.
• TAs must be enrolled in at least 10 credits during the quarter of employment.
• TA applicants without prior UW teaching or TA experience must complete the Center for Teaching and Learning’s “Teaching@UW: Strategies for TAs.” Additional training may be necessary.
• If you are not a native English speaker, you must meet the UW Graduate School’s spoken English proficiency requirements to hold a TA position. Before applying, please review UW Graduate School Policy 5.2 for additional information. If you have questions about this condition of employment or whether you have satisfied the requirement, please contact us at nspfund@uw.edu.
• Students who have or are seeking multiple ASE or training grant positions are required to confirm with their supervisor(s) that there are no restrictions on being appointed to more than one role.
• Prospective ASEs must complete a Sexual Misconduct Declaration form prior to receiving an offer of employment.

Compensation: Teaching Assistant (TA) positions are appointed at 50% FTE (20 hours/week) from 12/16/25 to 3/15/26. Pay rates are established in accordance with the ASE union contract. The 2025-26 base rate for University of Washington Teaching Assistants (established in accordance with the ASE union contract) is $3,283 per month at the premaster level, $3,449 at the intermediate level, and $3,621 at the candidate level. TAs also receive a tuition waiver (except for approximately $500 in fees) during the quarter of employment and up to 10 paid University holidays, one personal holiday, and 28 hours of sick time (prorated based on FTE). In addition, TAs and their dependents are eligible for UW-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage through the Graduate Appointee Insurance Program (GAIP).

How to Apply:

To Apply: 

• Review and confirm that you have satisfied the position eligibility requirements listed above. (Please use the winter 2026 quarter time schedule (available on October 10) to verify your availability to attend class sessions as requested in the job description.)
• Send a single PDF document that includes your résumé and a cover letter to nspfund@uw.edu.

In your cover letter:

1. Note the course number(s) of the position(s) for which you wish to be considered.
2. If applying for multiple positions, list all the positions and course numbers in one cover letter and rank them in order of preference.
3. Indicate your ability to attend all course lectures and sections (if applicable) for each course.

The application deadline is Sunday, October 12, 2025.

Final hiring selections will be made by the course instructor and Program based on the applicants’ qualifications and fit with the skills and knowledge areas required for the course.

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The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. 

The University of Washington prohibits sex discrimination and sex-based harassment in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns, make complaints, or direct inquiries to the Title IX Coordinator. The notice of nondiscrimination is located at: uw.edu/titleix/title-ix-notice/.

The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at least ten days in advance at: 206.543.6450/V, 206.543.6452/TTY, 206.685.7264 (FAX), or dso@uw.edu<